Three of the wounded were critically injured in the shooting at Accent Signage Systems. The sign-making company, founded 25 years ago by an Israeli expat, is in a residential area in the city's north side.

Police near scene of shooting (Photo: AP)

Marques Jones, 18 years old, of Minneapolis, said he was outside a building down the street having his picture taken when he and his photographer heard gunfire that sounded close.

Gunman killed himself (Photo: MCT)

"We heard about four to five gunshots," Mr. Jones said. "We were shocked at what happened and we just looked at each other. We all just took off running to our vehicles."

A relative of one of the victims said that the gunman was an employee who had been fired from his job earlier that day who wanted to "settle the score" with management. "Unfortunately police arrived after the shooting ended and the gunman killed himself."

The relative noted it was still unclear where the funeral of the two Israelis, who have lived in the US for the past 30 years, will be held.

Five hours before his death, the Israeli owner of the business was interviewed for the local Star Tribune.

Reporter Todd Nelson said that the Israeli's success earned him a place at a forum that worked along the White House in an effort to increase collaboration between the government and the private sector.

Nelson noted that the victim told him of his childhood in Israel, his decision to start working at the age of 14 and his decision to move to Minnesota where he set up a family business.